Sandy Phaneuf, Patch Staff

<b>The Basic:</b>

<b>Email</b> sandra.phaneuf&#64;patch.com    <br> <b>Phone</b>  (401) 323-0327<br> <b>Hometown</b> North Smithfield<br> <b>Birthday</b> 8/25/76<br> <b>Bio </b>While earning a bachelor&#39;s degree in political science from the State University of New York, I was a staff writer for the student paper, Albany Student Press.  I interned as an office assistant for a New York State Senator and then as an assistant for a Russian radio program, Talk to America at Voice of America in Washington, D.C.  I completed my degree in 2006 and I have since worked as a freelance writer for several publications.  I have been published in the New England Newspaper and Press Association Bulletin and have worked for the New England First Amendment Center. I am currently attending Northeastern University to earn a graduate degree in journalism.

I consider journalism as much my hobby as it is my profession.  I am a news addict who is passionate about investigative reporting. In short:  I love what I do and am grateful for the opportunity to do it in a city with a rich history and diverse culture. Both of my parents were born and raised in the city and earned their living at local mills, so I have a lot of personal investment and attachment to Woonsocket.

In my free time I like to be outdoors and I go hiking and camping whenever I can.  I also love live music, wine, and trying anything new.

<br><b>Your Beliefs</b><br>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.<br><br><b>Politics </b><br>How would you describe your political beliefs?

I consider myself a moderate.  Although I am a registered Democrat, I am not convinced that a two party system is the most effective form of government.  I also have a libertarian streak, as I am a huge fan of personal choice and freedom.  <br><br><b>Religion</b><br>How religious would you consider yourself?

I was raised in a Catholic home, but do not attend church often.  I have an appreciation and interest for many different religions and philosophies.  <br><br><b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

Woonsocket has been hit hard by the economic crisis and there is an urgent need for more employment in the city and for initiatives to bring in more consumers to help our small businesses.  This year, finances affect everything and everyone in Woonsocket as lights get turned out, and officials struggle to meet basic needs for supplies for our schools and our government.      <br>Where do you stand on each of these issues?

I am hopeful that as the economy turns around, there is less of a need to fight for funding and we can argue about how best to invest instead.  In the meantime, I&#39;m proud to be part of a community with an active, informed, and vocal public body.